Yoga and sport were once seen as opposites: the calm and quiet nature of yoga contrasted with the implicit competition of sport. Nowadays, much more familiar with yoga, we have turned it into a standard in our culture, assimilating – in general rules – much of its philosophy and understanding it as an excellent tool for anything we do, including sports.
The key to getting the most out of the benefits of yoga in sports is to find a style that suits our tastes and needs. There will be those who enjoy an intense and dynamic practice more while others prefer a more meditative and relaxed one. However you approach it, the most important thing is to take your time and listen to your body. A consistent practice of yoga as a complement to our sports training brings us the following benefits:
Today we are talking here about the benefits of yoga in sports, but I would like to point out one thing: in the global perspective, these are the same benefits that those of us who work in front of a computer or those who restock products in the supermarket obtain. Because yoga is revealing no matter what we do. Mental strength, physical and emotional balance, ability to focus, flexibility, lung capacity, sense of well-being, physical strength. You want to smile! Yoga has benefits for each and every one of us.
- We develop breathing techniques while improving balance, flexibility, strength, and endurance. A deep and relaxed breath is the starting point in the fight against anxiety during training (and during life!). Yoga helps us work on the habit of breathing correctly.
- Yoga promotes rehabilitation in case of injury, and even prevents it.
- Perhaps the most fundamental: the ability to integrate mind and body in practice is extremely beneficial for those who play sports.
- Improves “core” strength. Slow, focused movements strengthen the midsection of the body.
- Increases flexibility and range of motion. Yoga routines incorporate slow and constant flexibility exercises that relieve muscle tension, essential to improve our performance.
- Improves balance. Many athletes overlook balance exercises. It's typical to develop one side more than the other by lifting weights, for example. Yoga can fix these imbalances.
- Yoga is great for cross training. Cross training is necessary for those who train in the same discipline all year. Interspersing it with yoga poses reduces the chance of injury and boredom, and helps you recover from intense aerobics or strength training.
